While Trump is a powerful force within the Republican Party, his polarising presence is creating substantial challenges for the party in appealing to a broad enough coalition to secure consistent, nationwide victories beyond his core base.
While Washington claims Tehran desires an agreement, Iran insists no dialogue will take place without the lifting of sanctions and guarantees respecting its nuclear rights.
While China has warned of serious consequences and may impose sanctions, the U.S. frames the sale as a necessary sustainment measure for existing aircraft rather than an escalation.
Even Jake Sullivan, former United States president Joe Biden’s national security adviser, said “the Washington Consensus is a promise that was not kept[.]”